Twenty-four years may have passed since National Quality Month was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, yet there are still many quality-related issues we face on a daily basis – food safety, toy recalls, the mortgage industry crisis and the subsequent current financial turmoil. As a reminder of the critical role that quality can play in solving many cross-industry problems, it is important to recognize and celebrate the United States’ commitment to quality during National Quality Month this October.
“One only needs to read the headlines we’ve seen over the past year to understand and acknowledge the critical importance that quality concepts and processes can play in today’s business landscape,” said Roberto Saco, president of ASQ. “I applaud the commitment of companies everywhere that are reaping the rewards of their quality systems, and encourage others to reflect on their current quality strategies to ensure they are optimized for future success.”
National Quality Month focuses on the strategic importance of quality and continuous improvement. It also strengthens the commitment to quality and performance excellence by organizations across the country. Many organizations have created their own special events, and recognition programs, in an effort to convey the strategic impact of quality on every industry for National Quality Month.
Started by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) in 1984, October became National Quality Month with a joint resolution by Congress and a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. In 1989, Congress and President George Bush reaffirmed the original legislation and recognized quality as a national priority. President Bill Clinton continued the tradition of presidential support with yearly letters that applaud ASQ’s efforts in promoting quality awareness.
The American Society for Quality, www.asq.org, has been the world’s leading authority on quality for more than 60 years. With more than 90,000 individual and organizational members, the professional association advances learning, quality improvement and knowledge exchange to improve business results, and to create better workplaces and communities worldwide. As a champion of the quality movement, ASQ offers technologies, concepts, tools and training to quality professionals, quality practitioners and everyday consumers, encouraging all to Make Good Great. ASQ has been the sole administrator of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award since 1991. Headquartered in Milwaukee, ASQ is a founding partner of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), a prominent quarterly economic indicator, and also produces the Quarterly Quality Report.